In December 1957, the US Navy gave the go-ahead to a new programme for a very high performance helicopter with advanced technology, to replace the outdated S-58 (HSS-1). Sikorsky was approached again and submitted a project for a big twin turbine aircraft with a boat-type hull and retractable landing gear for amphibious operations. The aircraft had all-weather capability, a good choice of weapons loads and four hours' endurance. The project was designated S-61 and the HSS-2 prototype flew on 11 March 1959. The prototype was followed by seven pre-production aircraft (YHSS-2) which successfully completed service trials in 1960. The US Navy ordered the first ten S-61B/HSS-2 for delivery starting in September 1961. The helicopters were later redesignated SH-3A Sea King. One of the first production models set up a world speed record of 339 km/h on 5 February 1962.

The main rotor of the medium-tonnage S-61 was of the articulated type, with five interchangeable blades which could be folded automatically by hydraulic actuators. The tail boom could also be folded for stowage on board ship. The all-metal, semi-monocoque boat-type hull was amphibious, the twin mainwheels retracting into two sponsons. In the SH-3A version 255 were produced, while ten more, ordered as HSS-2Z and subsequently redesignated VH-3A, were assigned to the special American Presidential Department for personnel transport and evacuation services in case of emergency. Nine of the SH-3As were transformed into RH-3As with minesweeping equipment and three were used by the USAF for missile site support and drone recovery. Another 12 SH-3As were converted into the HH-3A for battlefield rescue work, and were fitted with two Emerson TAT-102 turrets mounted at the rear of the two sponsons, and an in-flight refuelling probe.

In April 1962, the USAF leased three HSS-2, transformed into 27-seat transport aircraft for services linking the Texas Towers radar installations. Another three S-61As were purchased for this purpose. Sixteen S-61A-4s with 31 seats were acquired by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and nine by the Danish Air Force for rescue work. In response to a Japanese naval specification, Mitsubishi obtained a license to produce the S-61; three were purchased directly from Sikorsky and by February 1972, 43 locally-produced aircraft had been delivered.

From 1966, the SH-3A was superseded by the SH-3D, which had a 1419shp T58-GE-10 turbine and new electronics. The first SH-3D delivered in June 1966 was one of six ordered by the Spanish Navy. This was followed by another four for the Brazilian Navy and 73 for the US Navy. The new variant was also built under license by Agusta from 1967, following an Italian naval order for an ASW helicopter to replace the old Sikorsky SH-34. An initial batch of 24 was built for the Italian Navy and 20 for the Iranian Navy (three in the VIP version); the Italian SH-3D is identical to the American model, apart from the installation of a Teledyne Doppler radar and a search radar on the left side of the nose.

In Britian, the Royal Navy also chose the S-61 to replace its old Wessex. Westland acquired the license to build the SH-3 in 1959, and the British specification called for some modifications. Thus a pair of 1521shp Rolls-Royce Gnome H-1400 turbines were adopted, plus other British equipment including an Ekco all-weather radar (easily recognised by the dorsal radome), Plessey dipping sonar, Marconi Doppler navigation radar, etc.

The first British-built Sea King flew on 7 May 1969 and the first squadrons were formed the following August. Westland has built over 200 Sea Kings, including the Sea King Mk.1, 2 and 5 for the Royal Navy, 15 for the Indian Navy (Sea King Mk.42),22 for the German Navy (Mk.41), 11 for the Norwegian Air Force (Mk.43) and 12 for the Australian Navy (Mk.50). More recently, Westland has designed and built a tactical helicopter called Commando, which is directly derived from the Sea King, and the first examples flew in 1973. Commandos have been supplied to Egypt and Qatar and, as the Sea King HC Mk.4, to the Royal Navy.

G.Apostolo "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters", 1984

Designed to combine the hunter/killer functions in one airframe, the Sikorsky HSS-2 was the subject of a US Navy contract awarded on 23 September 1957. This called for an all-weather anti-submarine helicopter with 'dunking sonar' equipment and able to carry up to 381kg of offensive weapons. The S-61 design had watertight, hull-retractable landing gear in the stabilising floats, and was powered by two General Electric T58 turboshaft engines driving a five-bladed main rotor. The prototype flew on 11 March 1959 and seven YHSS-2 trials aircraft followed; the type was redesignated SH-3 in September 1959. The initial production version, the SH-3A Sea King, began to reach fleet squadrons in September 1961 and later conversions included the HH-3A VIP transport flown by the Executive Flight Detachment, Washington. The essentially similar CH-124, assembled by United Aircraft of Canada, was supplied to the Canadian navy. The Royal Norwegian air force acquired S-61A helicopters without ASW equipment for rescue duties, and the Royal Malaysian air force acquired S-61A-4 Nuri helicopters equipped to carry 31 troops or operate in the SAR role. One hundred and sixty-seven HSS-2 (now withdrawn), HSS-2A SH-3D HSS-2Bs (SH-3H) and a further 18 SAR-configured S-61 As were built under licence by Mitsubishi, in a programme which was completed in 1990.

More fuel and the replacement of the original 932kW T58-GE-8B engines by 1044kW T58-GE-10s led to redesignation as the SH-3D, first delivered in June 1966 and ordered by Argentina, Brazil and Spain, as well as by the US Navy. Since 1969 Agusta has been building SH-3Ds under licence in Italy as the Agusta-Sikorsky ASH-3D Some 105 ASH-3As with ASW equipment removed were redesignated SH-3G for utility duties, while further conversions which have been made since 1971 are of the SH-3H version, with updated ASW and electronic surveillance equipment. While production of the AS-61 and ASH-3D, ASH-3TS (Transporto Special, a VIP version) and ASH-3H have now ceased, Agusta claims it could re-open the line in 36 months. The Italian firm did recommence building AS-61R (HH-3F) search and rescue helicopters to meet an order for two from the national civil protection service and 13 for the air force. These will have upgraded radar, LORAN, FLIR and navigation systems, modifications that will be retrofitted to the air force's existing 19 AS-61Rs. Agusta is also the exclusive overhaul and repair agent for Europe and the Mediterranean.

The SH-3H is the standard version now in service with the US Navy, with approximately 150 earlier aircraft modified to this standard. Supplemented by small numbers of the surviving SH-3G utility version, which has had all the SH-3H's anti-submarine equipment removed, SH-3Hs serve regularly on board the Navy's carriers and at shore bases, but are being steadily replaced by the SH-60 Seahawk and Ocean Hawk. Eight of the SH-3s supplied to Spain have been modified to SH-3H standard, and three of these are now equipped with a Thorn-EMI Searchwater radar in an external inflatable radome (similar to that fitted to Royal Navy Sea King AEW.Mk 3s) for shipboard airborne early warning duties.

Acquired originally for re-supply of its radar stations, the US Air Force CH-3B was essentially a de-navalised SH-3, but the CH-3C that was ordered in November 1962 introduced a number of major changes, including a rear loading ramp. Allocated the company designation S-61R, the prototype flew on 17 June 1963 and the first CH-3C delivery was made on 30 December 1963. An engine change from 969kW T58-GE-1s to 1119kW T58-GE-5S produced the CH-3E in February 1966. Some were later converted to HH-3E standard for the USAF Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, being provided with armour, self-sealing fuel tanks, retractable inflight-refuelling probe, rescue hoist and 12.7mm machine-guns for defensive purposes; this was the 'Jolly Green Giant' as used in Vietnam. These aircraft have now all been retired, replaced by the HH-60. The US Coast Guard operated the HH-3F Pelican, which had advanced electronic equipment for SAR duties, but lacked the self-sealing tanks, armour and armament of the HH-3E. These have now virtually given way to the HH-60J Jayhawk.

Civil versions for passenger operations were developed initially as the non-amphibious S-61L which, with a lengthened fuselage to seat up to 30 passengers, was first flown on 6 December 1960 and was FAA-approved on 2 November 1961. It was followed by the essentially similar S-61N that was, however, an amphibious version with a sealed hull and stabilising floats that housed retractable landing gear; it was first flown on 7 August 1962 and is still in widespread civil use. Westland built versions, still in low-rate production, are discussed separately.

Orlando Helicopters now provides extensive spares support for the S-61 and is investigating ways to re-engine existing aircraft to run on alternative petrol, propane and alcohol fuels.

D.Donald "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997

Developed to meet a 1957 US Navy requirement for a high-performance ASW helicopter with boat-type hull and retractable landing gear, and all-weather capability. Designated S-61 (HSS-2), the prototype first flew on 11 March 1959; seven preproduction aircraft (YHSS-2) successfully completed service trials in 1960. US Navy ordered initial 10 S-61B/HSS-2 for delivery starting September 1961. Aircraft redesignated SH-3A Sea King in 1962. Also produced under licence by Agusta, Mitsubishi and Westland. VERSIONS S-61A: Amphibious transport, generally similar to the US Navy's SH-3A. Accommodation for 26 troops, 15 litters, cargo, or 12 passengers in VIP configuration. General Electric T58 turboshaft engines standard, but Rolls-Royce Gnome H.1200 offered as alternative.

S-61A-4: Export version for Malaysia; first ordered on 26 October 1970, known locally as Nuri.

S-61B: Initial production version with amphibious capability.

S-61D: Export version of SH-3D.

S-61D-4: For Argentine Navy; ordered in 1971.

S-61F: Experimental high-speed version with stub wings and auxiliary turbojets.

S-61L: Non-amphibious commercial version with modified landing gear, rotor head and stabiliser. First flight of prototype 6 December 1960; FAA certification 2 November 1961.

SH-3D Sea King: More powerful ASW development of SH-3A for US Navy, with 1,043kW T58-GE-10 engines and an additional 530 litres of fuel. First delivered in 1966.

SH-3G: US Navy conversion of 105 SH-3As into utility helicopters. Six equipped with minigun pods for SAR missions.

SH-3H: Multipurpose version of SH-3A and SH-3G with two T58-GE-10 turboshafts; later converted for ASW and anti-missile operations, including lightweight sonar, active and passive sonar buoys, magnetic anomaly detection equipment and radar.

UH-3A: Utility version with T58-GE-8B turboshafts.

VH-3A (HSS-2Z) : Passenger transport version of SH-3A, used on VIP and emergency evacuation for US President and other key personnel.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and co-pilot on flight deck, two sonar operators in main cabin. Dual controls. Crew entry door at rear of flight deck on port side. Large loading door at rear of cabin on starboard side. Crew of three: pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant on S-61L. Main cabin accommodates up to 30 passengers. Standard arrangement has eight single seats and one double seat on port side of cabin, seven double seats on starboard side and one double seat at rear. Rear seat may be replaced by a toilet.

Does anyone know where I can find the parts catalogue or the maintenance manual or anything like this for the S-61? Thanks to anyone who will help me.

Antonio Mariscal, e-mail, 16.11.2015

Sir,

We are direct provider for BG, SBLC and MTN which are specifically for lease with the best workable procedures. Our BG ranges from MT799, MT760,(Both two way confirmation), MT103/23, MT103 (Both can be one way confirmation and two way confirmation) in USD and EUROS. Issuing Bank ranges from Top world 25 banks with face value ranging from 5M EUROS/USD to IB EUROS/USD

BROKERS ARE WELCOME & 100% PROTECTED!!!Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and cases to our attention and in complete confidence we will work together for the benefits of all parties involve

Any good ideas where I can get a T58 GE100 Time-X Engine? Or One Set of T58 GE100 Fuel Accessories?

Almutairi Abdulrazaq, e-mail, 20.07.2015

Dear Sir,

We are Providers of all types of BG and MTN with the best workable procedures. Our BG ranges from MT799, MT760,(Both two way confirmation), MT103/23, MT103 (Both can be one way confirmation and two way confirmation) in USD and EUROS. Issuing Bank ranges from Top world 25 banks with face value ranging from 5M EUROS/USD to IB EUROS/USD

BROKERS ARE WELCOME & 100% PROTECTED!!!Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and cases to our attention and in complete confidence we will work together for the benefits of all parties involve

Ron, try E-bay. I just checked and there were a couple listed but you had better hurry.

Bryan Eagan Jr, e-mail, 06.03.2011

Bryan Eagan was involved with HSS-2 FIP ASW Pilot training program. On Sept 6-8, 1961 he led five HSS-2 Helicopters from Key West, Florida to Ream Field, San Diego, CA. Over 17 flying hours at an average ground speed of 130 knots (150 mph), overnight stops at Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida and Yuma, Arizona. It was the first delivery of the new twin-turbine, amphibious helicopters to operational sqyadrons, and the fastest helicopter crossing of the country ever made.

Greg, e-mail, 04.12.2010

I served with HS-3 (Norfolk NAS) 62 - 64. They had just transitioned to SeaKings and were the 1st operational squadron on the east coast to do so.

I need to know where I can find what the decibles are/were for the Tutor CT 114 (Canadian Snowbirds), the Sikorsky CHSS-2 Sea King, and CP 121 Tracker. My husband worked "very close" to these and is having hearing problems. Thank you

Ron Hall, e-mail, 11.03.2010

I served in the Navy from 1966-1970 as an ATN-2 and was assigned to HS-3 from 1967-1970. I became a second crewman in apx. 1968 and flew many missions in the SH-3D. What a great aircraft it is. Altho we did lose one aircraft during my tour along with three of the crew, the co-pilot survived. This occured when the plane flew thru a large stream of water during take-off from an irrigation system at a Florida base. Along with great memories of many friends and shipmates we managed to be called the teen-aged squadron and wore the Efficiency E with two hash marks. We made many memorable cruises aboard four ships and recovered Apollo-9 space capsule with LCOL McDivitt,LCOL Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart aboard. I am proud to have been a small part of the HS-3 Tridents. Go Navy.

art brown HM2, USN, e-mail, 04.12.2009

Hasegawa Models has a great 1:48 scale plastic model of the Sh-H3 Sea King. runs around $45.00. usd great model high detail and great decal selection

lil k, e-mail, 06.05.2009

see that 2 comment was lame he is a sorry cop fuck that dood but nice Sikorsky S-61 / SH-3 "Sea King that shit is bad ass

عبدالرحمن, e-mail, 20.03.2009

ارجو المساعدة انا محتار مش عارف الفرق بين الهيل كومندو والكينك سى

JOE EGAN, e-mail, 04.02.2009

HiI work as a prison officer in a workshop in Wheatfield prison in Dublin and one of the trainees/prisoners is looking for plans to build a metal model of a sikorsky s 61.I'm having no luck trying to get plans so I/we would be most grateful for any assistance with this.Many thanks in advance.Joe

Don Brindle, e-mail, 15.01.2009

I was an Aviation Electrician at NAS Pt. Mugu from 10/71 through 12/74. We had a specially configured H-3, for drone recovery. It had a hoist mounted inside and two long (~20 ft) poles, one on each side, that were carried alongside the hull, but could be swung straight down after takeoff. (I don't know if the hoist was something special or if it was the "normal hoist" used for the sonar bouys - All our H-3's were used for drone recovery and SAR, so this was the only we had with a hoist.) The hoist cable was attached to hooks that were held by the poles. The idea was to catch the drones while they were dropping towards the ocean in their parachutes. (If they didn't go into the seawater, it was cheaper/easier to refurbish them.) This H-3 had a special designation, but I don't recall what it was, and I don't see anything listed above that might be it. I was told it was the only one like it in the fleet. Unfortunately, it had an accident trying to catch a drone and was lost, along with the pilot, in November 1973. The crew wore parachutes when attempting to catch the drones. The co-pilot and crewman parachuted out and survived.

Jose Antonio Alva Merino, e-mail, 17.06.2008

Great informationThanks

Dr. Art Schmitt, e-mail, 02.11.2007

I am a retired Naval Aviator and hove over 500 landing on a carrier, 200 at night. I picked up the first H-3 at Sikorsky, IN Conn. for Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 4 and flew it to San Diego in Nov. 1963.Question: I found them once and then lost therm. Where can I get free helicopter ring tones for my cell phone.Thank youDr. ArtSewolf 16

Peter R Foster, e-mail, 19.07.2007

Your info on the S-61A shows the type being order in 1970 yet the first reported loss in service with the TUDM was in April 1969. Comment?

Also does anyone have identities of the first four losses whilst in Malaysian service.

jamal hassan, e-mail, 19.07.2007

Yahoo! Asia News Search Yahoo! News

advertisement Tuesday July 17, 10:10 PMMissing Malaysian military copter found, all 6 crew dead(Kyodo) _ A military helicopter that went missing five days ago while flying over Malaysia's thick tropical jungle has been found with all six crew who were on board dead, government officials announced Tuesday. The official news agency Bernama quoted an air force spokesman as saying the wreckage of the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter was spotted in a deep ravine hidden in dense forest in the central state of Pahang on Tuesday afternoon.

Najib, who is also defense minister, said the difficult terrain made it hard for the search and rescue team to find the chopper that was first reported missing 10 minutes after it took off from Kuala Lumpur last Friday as it headed toward an air base in Kuantan, the Pahang state capital.

Efforts are ongoing to retrieve the bodies of the five men and one woman who were on board.

Despite the accident, Najib said there is no immediate plan to discontinue service of the air force's ageing fleet of around 20 Sikorsky helicopters, most of which are over 30 years old. ADVERTISEMENT

"I will wait for the report from the Royal Air Force before deciding," he said.

Aaron Wolters, e-mail, 11.07.2007

Ron, try E-bay. I just checked and there were a couple listed but you had better hurry.

Max Cox, e-mail, 28.03.2007

I was in HS-5 and HS-151 (combined HS5 and HS11 for a Med cruise) and HS-1 from 1970-1977. I was wondering if there exists total number of lives lost in H3's while it was in service from approximately 1957 until 198X for comparison with the new Osprey...

Ron Rutan, e-mail, 13.03.2007

I was in the Navy from 59 to 62 in H.S.11 and can,t find a model of the s-58 to build do you have any ideas Thanks Ron